Transform Your Bathroom Like A Pro – Expert Dos and Don’ts
When it comes to renovating your bathroom, there’s a lot to get right. From the plumbing to the fixtures to the finishing touches, it all needs to work in perfect harmony. For that reason, it can seem a bit of a daunting prospect. Especially if you don’t have any technical know-how. But fear not. We got together with professional designer Fiona Lowry, from the The Bathroom Company in Perth and Edinburgh to find out what to do (and not to do) if you’re thinking about renovating your home’s bathroom.
About Fiona
First, a little bit of background about Fiona and why she’s such a reliable source when it comes to beautifying your bathroom. “I’ve been in bathroom design now for over twenty years” Fiona tells us. “In that time I’ve helped countless clients transform their bathrooms into spaces they love and enjoy using.”
So where do you get your inspiration from? “The clients themselves, their personalities, homes, and hobbies. Every person and bathroom is different, which always makes it exciting.” Which brings us nicely onto those all-important dos and don’ts. “If you follow a few basic rules, you shouldn’t go too far wrong” Fiona reassures us.
DO talk before you start
To get things off to the best possible start, you need to make it clear to your designer exactly what you’re after. “The most important tools for any designer are their ears” Fiona says. “Listening to what the client wants and then recommending what best suits those needs is what I’m here for. So as a client, don’t be shy about making it absolutely clear what you want from your new bathroom.” “For instance, when I get the brief from a client, I spend a lot of time asking about who will use the room, are there any special requirements and what are their preferences when it comes to colours, textiles, product styles.”
After taking measurements and photos of the space, Fiona makes an appointment for a return visit to go through initial proposals for the new bathroom. Any feedback is then taken back to the studio where the design team creates a presentation using their Virtual Worlds CAD system. In effect, a 3D snapshot of how the new bathroom will look. There is even the option of a 4D experience by donning a headset.
“At this stage, we go through everything in detail, over a coffee,” explains Fiona “From design through to product selection, installation and of course cost. We also use a mood board of proposed colours and textures to complete the picture and give a feel for the overall scheme.”
DON'T rush the planning stage
Whilst it’s tempting to get on with things as soon as possible, it’s much better to invest plenty of time at the front end of the project. “Sitting down with an expert at the beginning can save you a lot of heartache in the long run” confirms Fiona. “Make sure you speak to a reliable company with a good reputation for quality products, installation and service. They can help identify and iron out any potential problems before refurbishment begins in earnest. And remember, enhancing your home like this should be fun, so you shouldn’t feel under pressure at any time.”
DO invest in quality
A bathroom can be a hot and steamy space, so quality, purpose-made fixtures and fittings are essential if you’re going to avoid the dreaded growth of mildew and mould. Choosing products that are made to withstand moisture and humidity will pay dividends in the long run as your bathroom retains its pristine finish for longer.
“Another key factor to consider is effective ventilation” adds Fiona. ”Ideally you need a sufficiently powerful extractor fan built in. I’d recommend a six inch fan over the standard four inch as it will help circulate the air much more effectively.”
DON'T overload plumbing and electrics
Whilst everything may look lovely on the surface of your new bathroom, it’s what lies beneath that really counts. Before you can put that power shower in place or create a cosy ambience with a myriad of sparkling lights, you
need to make sure that your power supply and pipes can handle whatever you throw at them. Nothing’s worse than having to break off your relaxing shower because the fuse has tripped – again!
“This is why it’s so important to choose your installer with care” re-enforces Fiona. ”A professional company will pick up any issues around power and
plumbing in their initial survey. If they also have their own installation teams, even better. Then they can manage the whole project at every step of the
way.”
DO switch up your lighting
Lighting plays a big part in the look and feel of any room – but especially so in your bathroom. Choosing the right lights can be a pretty and practical addition that makes all the difference to your finished renovation. “LED lights really come into their own in your bathroom” Fiona explains.
“Downlights controlled with a dimmer can switch from early morning wide awake mode, to a more relaxed evening setting. Placed below vanity units, LED’s can illuminate the floor, creating a feeling of space and eliminating any dark corners, and within recesses offer a calming ambiance. When these are switched separately to the main lights, the setting becomes more flexible again.”
To ensure sufficient lighting for make-up and shaving, it’s worth considering task lighting for mirrors and cabinets around the basin. An LED strip light behind the mirror is a good solution as it creates a flattering light and adds a splash of glamour to proceedings.
DON'T cut corners
Renovating your bathroom is an investment in your home. So rather than cut corners to bring the cost down, it’s best to take a long-term view. After all, any installation mistakes now could lead to problems further down the line, with the added expense and inconvenience of putting things right. As Fiona points out: “if you opt for supply only and source separate installers, you need to be aware that you’re effectively project managing your own bathroom renovation. It may cost less, but it may also become a disjointed exercise with the potential of added hassle and risk.”
Finally, we couldn’t resist asking Fiona if she had a favourite bathroom renovation out of the many she’s been involved in. “Whilst every project is different and interesting in its own way” she tells us “I did have a really lovely job quite recently where the client wanted a cupboard transforming into an en-suite. We installed a Matki Classica door in polished nickel, Keuco Edition 400 furniture, Aquaclean Mera Comfort WC, Axor brassware a Glass Design bowl and Jonathan Rogers bespoke pendant lighting. The overall effect was stunning!
